The Meeting of Waters

The two rivers have met, but not yet mixed. For several kilometres there remains a clearly visible distinction between water from the Rio Negro and water from the Rio Solimoes.

Manaus is strategically situated at the confluence of two great rivers which form the Amazon. The Rio Negro flows slowly south from Columbia and, as the name suggests, is distinguished by the blackness of its water. The Rio Solimoes flows east from the Andes and is a the colour of sand. The two rivers are further distinguished by differences in flow rate, temperature and acidity. As a result the rivers flow side by side for several kilometres without mixing.